Jude Bellingham scored two goals in 98 seconds to give England a 2-0 lead over Mexico in their World Cup last-16 match at the Estadio Azteca, silencing a record crowd of 80,284 fans. The victory has been hailed as England’s greatest ever win on foreign soil, surpassing even the 5-1 thrashing of Germany in Munich.
England were up against a co-host side with a formidable home record – just three defeats this century – playing at 7,200 feet above sea level where the raucous fans can “almost suck the ball into the net”. The match kicked off at 2am local time after a one-hour delay, adding to the hostile atmosphere. Mexico had not conceded a goal in their previous four World Cup matches, but Bellingham’s double changed that inside two minutes.
“England beat Mexico 2-0 in World Cup last 16, Bellingham scoring twice in 98 seconds at the Azteca.”
The Three Lions’ task became even harder when Jarell Quansah was sent off, reducing them to ten men. Yet Thomas Tuchel’s side showed remarkable resilience to hold on. “England had to dig in at 2-1 up,” noted one report. The win sets up a third consecutive World Cup quarter-final, against Norway.
The celebrations were marred by an injury to Jordan Henderson, who was taken to hospital after a freak accident during the post-match festivities and will remain in Mexico City. Five England stars also face the risk of a World Cup ban following the bruising encounter.
“This was truly heroic because they put their lives on the line and really embraced the pressure,” wrote one observer. The result galvanises England’s campaign as they aim to go all the way.